Key Takeaways
- Bannu district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reports fourth polio case of the year.
- Four out of five total cases this year have emerged from Bannu Division.
- Officials urge tighter anti-polio campaigns and full vaccination coverage.
The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication has confirmed a new polio case in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking the fourth such case this year. The affected child is a 17-month-old girl from Khandar Khankhel Union Council in Tehsil Domel.
Out of the five total cases reported so far this year, four have emerged from Bannu Division, with three detected in Bannu district alone. This trend has raised concerns among health officials and experts, who emphasize the need for continued vigilance and robust vaccination efforts.
Despite a significant reduction in polio cases across Pakistan, with a 99.8% decline since 2025, the persistence of the virus in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains a critical issue. Health officials point out that the virus continues to pose a threat to children, despite the success of national vaccination campaigns.
During 2026, four major national campaigns have been conducted, vaccinating over 45 million children. A special campaign last week vaccinated an additional 28 million children, underscoring the commitment to eradicating polio. However, the persistence of the virus in Bannu Division highlights the ongoing challenges.
Health experts and officials have urged parents, religious leaders, and the media to play their role in dispelling rumours and ensuring full vaccination of children. They stress that no child will be safe from polio until every child is protected.
The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication has confirmed that the poliovirus is an infectious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis or death in children. Complete prevention is possible through safe and effective vaccines, and continued efforts are essential to achieve eradication.
The ongoing situation in Bannu Division underscores the need for sustained and targeted interventions to ensure the safety of children from this debilitating disease. Health officials are calling for a concerted effort to address the persistent presence of the virus in the region.
